I agree you only need enough to keep the carb level, and don't forget to factor in the running angle as noted. A steep running angle can cause problems that will never be diagnosed at the dock. Engine manufacturers today produce generic engines, and I doubt if ANY boat manufacturers even consider the angle of installation.
A similar logic applies to oil level. Today, most flywheel aft engine installations are Chevrolet based, and they have the oilpump at the rear, in the deepest part of the sump. You are assured of adequate oil for the engine, even if you are low on oil. Fords oil from the front, and on mine, I overfill the crancase to compensate.
In sportscar racing, we check the oil level with the engine running, since a good quantity of oil is held up in the engine. Overfilled with the engine off, as much as a quart or 2 can be held up in the engine.
On American V-8s, the oilpump is always under the distributor, since it is driven by the distributor.
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